New Bern Alderman Bernard White filed for re-election Thursday to defend his seat in Ward 5 for a second term.

White, 65, of 1811 Durham St., is being challenged by two newcomers to public office, Sammy Dodd and Jamara Wallace.

“I decided to run because there are certain things we haven’t accomplished yet,” White said Friday.

One of the things White wants to continue working on is attracting industry to New Bern.

“That will help keep young people from leaving and make the town more viable,” he said.

White has always championed the youths in New Bern, he said.

“We seem to forget about our youths,” he said. “I’ve spent so many years coaching them. If you can find things they enjoy — once you get youths involved in something you can cut down on crime.”

White presided over a city recreation board that used to invite high school students in to give them input on what kind of recreation they would like to see in the city. Although the board has not met during his term as alderman, White said he would like to have an advisory board continue that work.

When White was first elected, he had three things on his agenda for Ward 5: sidewalks, curbs and drainage. He said he accomplished everything he set out to do but he would like a second chance on the board because there are other things that need to be done.

“I’m dedicated to the city,” he said. “I love New Bern, and I’ve got to fight for the 5th Ward.”

White, who is a native New Bernian, started attending Board of Aldermen meetings when he was 18. Willie Vail, a neighborhood civil rights leader, asked him if he would like to go to the meeting, White said.

Four years ago, when he decided to run for a seat in Ward 5, White said he was he was a little worried.

“I wasn’t excited last time as much as being a little on the nervous side,” he said. “There was a lot to be done. I did the best I could. It’s been a tough time, but I’ve got a lot of patience.”

During the campaign, White said he would go door to door to talk to people.

“I will tell them the truth,” he said. “If they ask me something and I don’t know the answers. I will tell them I will try to get the answers. I will run an honest campaign. I don’t want to be beholden to anybody. I will try to do what is right and not try to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes.”

White said he hopes he is re-elected, but if he isn’t he will spend more time with his grandchildren.

Page 2 of 2 - “You don’t get any breaks down there (at City Hall),” he said.

White has five grown children, five grandchildren and one great grandson.

Eddie Fitzgerald can be reached at 252-635-5675 or at eddie.fitzgerald@newbernsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @staffwriter3.